Acts 1:13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

And {G2532} when {G3753} they were come in {G1525}, they went up {G305} into {G1519} an upper room {G5253}, where {G3757} abode {G2258}{G2650} both {G5037} Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} James {G2385}, and {G2532} John {G2491}, and {G2532} Andrew {G406}, Philip {G5376}, and {G2532} Thomas {G2381}, Bartholomew {G918}, and {G2532} Matthew {G3156}, James {G2385} the son of Alphaeus {G256}, and {G2532} Simon {G4613} Zelotes {G2208}, and {G2532} Judas {G2455} the brother of James {G2385}.

After entering the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying. The names of the emissaries were Kefa, Ya‘akov, Yochanan, Andrew, Philip, T’oma, Bar-Talmai, Mattityahu, Ya‘akov Ben-Halfai, Shim‘on “the Zealot,” and Y’hudah Ben-Ya‘akov.

When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.

Commentary

Acts 1:13 describes the immediate actions of Jesus' disciples after His ascension, detailing their return to Jerusalem and their gathering place. This verse is crucial as it sets the stage for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the early church.

Context

Following Jesus' ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9-11), the disciples returned from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. As instructed by Jesus, they were to wait in the city for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The "upper room" (Greek: hyperōon) served as their designated gathering place. This was likely a large, accessible room, perhaps the same one where Jesus had shared the Last Supper with them or a prominent meeting place for early believers in Jerusalem. It became a hub for prayer, fellowship, and anticipation during this pivotal transition period between Christ's earthly ministry and the church's empowered mission.

Key Themes

  • Unity and Fellowship: The explicit listing of the eleven apostles emphasizes their collective presence and shared purpose. Despite previous disagreements and personal failings, they were united in obedience to Christ's command, fostering a spirit of fellowship that would become foundational for the early church.
  • Obedience and Waiting: The disciples' action of returning to Jerusalem and waiting in the upper room demonstrates their obedience to Jesus' final instructions. This period of waiting was not passive but an active time of prayer and preparation for the significant events that were about to unfold.
  • Apostolic Continuity: The verse lists the core group of apostles, confirming the leadership structure that would guide the nascent Christian community. This list excludes Judas Iscariot, whose betrayal and death had created a vacancy, soon to be addressed in Acts 1:15-26.

Linguistic Insights

The term "upper room" (Greek: hyperōon) frequently denotes a significant space in ancient Jewish and Hellenistic homes. These rooms, often on the second story, were more private and spacious, making them ideal for gatherings, prayer, and intimate meals. Its repeated mention in Acts (e.g., Acts 20:8) highlights its importance as a common meeting place for the early Christian community, a place of spiritual retreat and communal activity.

Significance and Application

Acts 1:13 underscores the importance of communal gathering, focused prayer, and patient waiting on God's timing. The unity displayed by the apostles in the upper room serves as a model for believers today, emphasizing that collective obedience and prayer are vital for receiving divine empowerment and fulfilling God's purposes. Just as the apostles prepared for the coming of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to ready themselves spiritually through fellowship and prayer for God's ongoing work in the world. This verse marks a crucial moment of spiritual preparation leading to the explosive growth detailed in the Book of Acts, beginning with the day of Pentecost.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 20:8 (7 votes)

    And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

  • Luke 22:12 (5 votes)

    And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

  • Mark 2:14 (4 votes)

    And as he passed by, he saw Levi the [son] of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

  • Mark 3:16 (4 votes)

    And Simon he surnamed Peter;

  • Mark 3:19 (4 votes)

    And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

  • Mark 14:15 (4 votes)

    And he will shew you a large upper room furnished [and] prepared: there make ready for us.

  • Matthew 10:2 (4 votes)

    Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;